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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a status that allows individuals who entered the United States as children to obtain a work permit and a social security number. For those without legal status in the U.S., DACA can be a ticket to building the life you desire, securing a legal promise with the government that you won’t be deported as long as your DACA is valid.

At Jay Perez Law, our experienced Ohio-based DACA immigration attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex process of renewing your DACA status, ensuring you can stay in the US for an extended period. Our team understands the unique challenges and uncertainties non-US citizens face, and we are well-versed in Ohio’s immigration laws due to years of experience and expertise. Our team is committed to providing the knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance you need to fulfill your dream of thriving in the United States. Contact our team of DACA immigration attorneys to renew your DACA status with confidence and peace of mind.

What is DACA?

On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama officially announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. It provides relief from removal to certain undocumented immigrants and allows them to work legally in the United States. However, individuals must meet a set of criteria to be eligible for deferred action status. Meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee that a person will be granted deferred action status.

To be eligible for DACA:

  • The individual must have entered the United States before turning 16.
  • The person must be physically present in the U.S. when applying and must have lived continuously in the country since June 15, 2007.
  • The applicant must have been younger than 31 years old on June 15, 2012.
  • The individual must currently be enrolled in school, have graduated from high school, earned a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
  • The applicant cannot have a felony conviction, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanor convictions.
  • The individual must not present a risk to public safety or national security.

Deferrals are available for 2-year periods, with the option to renew. As of early 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to accept and process renewal requests for individuals who already have or previously held DACA status, but initial (first-time) DACA applications are not currently being processed for approval due to ongoing court orders.>

Our DACA Immigration Law Services

With over 27 years of immigration law experience, our team of DACA immigration attorneys is well-equipped to handle even the most complex DACA cases. We provide expert legal advice on matters affecting DACA recipients, including:

  • Travel restrictions and advance parole
  • Criminal history and inadmissibility issues
  • Legal/law enforcement encounters
  • Employment authorization
  • Changing immigration policies
  • And more

Our DACA immigration attorneys provide comprehensive, customized support for every case. Jay Perez Law offers our clients 24/7 support, affordable legal services, remote meetings, and online payments. Contact us to benefit from our DACA renewal expertise and build the life you deserve in the United States.

4 Common DACA Questions

If you’re considering applying for a DACA renewal, here are a few answers to questions you may have during the process: 

1. When should I renew my DACA status?

The USCIS encourages you to submit your DACA renewal request 4–5 months before expiration. Planning and giving yourself plenty of time ensures you reduce the risk of falling out of DACA status. Submitting a renewal application earlier than 5 months ahead will not speed up the process. Filing too late can risk a lapse in status and employment authorization.  

2. How do I renew my DACA status?

To renew your DACA in the state of Ohio, you must submit:

  • Form I-821D
  • Form I-765 for employment authorization
  • Form I-765WS
  • Filing fees
  • Supporting documentation, if required

This process can be daunting and confusing if done without help. Hiring an immigration lawyer specializing in DACA renewal cases, like one of our skilled DACA immigration attorneys at Jay Perez Law, helps ensure your renewal application is complete and persuasive.

3. If my DACA has expired, is it too late to renew it?

If your current DACA has expired for less than one year, you can submit a DACA renewal application without any issues.

If your DACA has expired for more than one year, you will need to file a renewal as if it were for an initial DACA application. However, because of Judge Hanen’s ruling, USCIS may not be able to process your case due to the indefinite pause on all initial DACA applications, including those who file an initial request because their DACA expired over one year ago. While USCIS will accept initial DACA requests, it cannot process your filing. We strongly urge you to contact one of our DACA immigration attorneys to guide you through these challenging circumstances.

4. What legal issues could affect my DACA renewal?

Certain criminal convictions, legal problems, or encounters with law enforcement could make you ineligible to renew your DACA. If you’ve run into any legal concerns, it’s crucial to consult with a DACA immigration attorney at Jay Perez Law to discuss how to protect your status.

Work With A Determined DACA Immigration Attorney

Jay Perez Law is one of the few law firms with expertise in immigration law and criminal defense; we are uniquely positioned to defend your DACA status and help you achieve your goals as a non-US citizen. Contact us today for a confidential and personalized consultation about your DACA renewal.

Immigration Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

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